With things heating up outside, it may be time to find a new indoor hobby. Dungeons and Dragons is a popular role-playing game that has gained even more traction over the year, but I know jumping into a game can be intimidating. That’s why I have created a list of streams and podcasts that can help demystify the world of D&D and hopefully bring more gamers into the fold. There are hundreds of games shared online, so if I missed a good one, please drop a link below!
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For this portion of the list, I will be sharing some streaming services that aren’t necessarily universal. However, there are plenty of streamers on Twitch and Youtube that love to share their adventure with others. I have also included as many links as I can to help aid in the finding of these videos.
HarmonQuest
The show is part-animated, part live-action, which allows viewers to understand how game mechanics work visually. Dan Harmon, Erin McGathy and Jeff B. Davis, and the Dungeon Master Crittenden, play a D&D in front of a live audience, and each episode features a celebrity guest player. This campaign can be found on VRV. I previously wrote a more detailed synopsis here.
Critical Role
Critical Role is a team of nerdy voice actors who play Dungeons and Dragons on Twitch, with games also aired on Youtube. Viewers follow DM Matthew Mercer as he guides Marisha Ray, Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham, Sam Riegel, Liam O’Brien, Ashley Johnson, and Taliesin Jaffe through the world of Exandria. For a more detailed explanation of this campaign click, here.
Dimension 20
Dimension 20 is a new favorite of mine that aired on DropOut TV with episodes on Youtube. The DM Brennan Lee Mulligan focuses on shorter campaigns packed full of twists and turns. While stories have a variety of PCs from the crew of DropOut TV, the leading players are Emily Axford, Zac Oyama, Siobhan Thompson, Lou Wilson, Ally Beardsley, and Brian Murphy.
Relics and Rarities
The final streamed D&D campaign is near and dear to my heart. Relics and Rarities inspired me to begin playing D&D, and I will always shout it from the rooftops, as seen here. Deborah Ann Woll, the DM, has her adventure take place in a mysterious curio shop as she guides Jasmine Bhullar, Julia Dennis, Xander Jeanneret, Tommy Walker, and numerous special guests on the journey of a lifetime. Viewers can watch this story unfold on Youtube.
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Podcasts
All of the podcasts shared below can be found on Spotify, and typically anywhere else podcasts can be found. I will share all the Spotify links for ease!
Arcs
Arcs is a radio-style production orchestrated by DM Jordan Adika in which three comrades Briggon Snow, Lauren Shippen, and Nathan Stanz, are sent across the world of Thirithia. This podcast tends to leave me in fits of laughter with tears streaming down my face. It truly is a good time, and I highly recommend clicking here to give Arcs a listen.
Adventure Zone
Adventure Zone is an RPG podcast that not only plays Dungeons and Dragons but other RPGs such as Monster of the Week and Urban Shadows. The crew consists of brothers Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy, and their dad Clint McElroy. This podcast is not only good for a laugh but also allows listeners to hear about other RPGs they may enjoy. Click here to give Adventure Zone a whirl.
Acquisitions Incorporated
Acquisitions Incorporated started initially as a podcast but is also on Twitch and Youtube. This podcast follows a unique storyline in which the PCs are working together in a pseudo-corporate formation to gain wealth. This team consists of DM Chris Perkins, Jerry Holkins, Scott Kurtz, and Mike Krahulik, but there have also been a series of “interns” or special guests. There is also the “C” team compiled of DM Jerry Holkins, Amy Falcone, Ryan Hartman, Kris Straub, and Kate Welch, which is on Youtube.
Join the Party
Join DM Eric Silver leads the party as he takes Brandon Grugle, Amanda Mcloughlin, and Julia Schifini, on journeys to mysterious lands. Their first campaign started back in 2017, and campaign two began in March of this year. While I haven’t quite finished the first story, I’m looking forward to hearing about the new adventure these heroes have begun. To join this party, click here.
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